People are advise to prepare and expect a third wave of the Corona Virus following the decrease in the daily COVID-19 cases at the Port Moresby General Hospital. POMGEN Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi stated from an initial 7-10 Covid-19 patients per day at the hospital during the months of February and March, this month the hospital is seeing on average only 2 -3 Covid-19 patients daily. Despite this being good news, the general public is urged to not take this as the end of the Pandemic in the country. “This situation is similar to what the country experienced last year when we had our first wave of Covid-19 during the beginning months of the year,” Dr. Molumi said. “It slowed down for remaining duration of the year until the surge of the second wave this year.” This is why people must be in prepared for the third surge continuing to follow all safety protocols and also get vaccinated when provided the opportunity.

“Beekeeping and honey production has the potential to be a major lucrative export for Papua New Guinea and the local and national government should look into fully maximizing this”. Owner of Goroka based PNG Beekeeping Supplies Mr. Tella Loie made this comment following the successful completion of four Beekeeping Training's he conducted in the Unggai Bena District in Eastern Highlands Province last week. He provided basic training on how to take care of bees, the pollination process and how to extract honey and sell to earn an income through the partnership with the Unggai Bena District Development Authority. “Beekeeping is very cost effective and there is not much expenditure to except for the start to capital but the returns are very high.” Mr. Loie said. “All that the farmers need is the start up capital and with the training we provide they will be able to sustain themselves and their families.” The 99 bee and honey farmers from the 3 LLG's will have 60 hives distributed amongst them which will see them apply the theory and practical knowledge attained during the workshops. He said there is good honey and nectar in parts of the country going to waste that could have been harvested, processed and eventually exported when required production units are met. “Right now we are only producing 60 tonnes of honey and if the country seriously wants to export, then we have to start producing 200 tonnes, which means we need government Intervention.” “The Government Price Support System for Agriculture needs to consider Beekeeping and Honey Production too.” added Mr. Loie. “It is a huge money making giant waiting to be tapped into which the government must recognize and support now.” Meanwhile Mr. Tella Loie said beekeeping and honey production has never been funded by the government since its inception in 1975 and that should change now. Photo credit: David Shields/OxfamNZ

The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) is currently conducting a Bio- Sand Filter training for rural development leaders and Lead Farmers from all over PNG on how to build climate change resilient communities especially in creating safe drinking water in communities. The European Union Funded training is taking place in Bubia, Morobe Province and will end on the 21st of May. According to NARI Training Facilitator Mr. Mauro Okrupa the Bio Sand Fliter Construction and Installation Training will provide the participants theory and the practical training on how to purify water and filter out pathogens and bacteria making water 95-99% safe for drinking. “Effects of Climate change such as floods, droughts and landslides greatly affects the quality of safe drinking water in our communities” Mr. Okrupa said. “this water filter innovative technology can purify dirty running river, it can also purify swamp, small creeks, and also rain water allowing people to access safe and clean water.” According to Mr. Okrupa the 32 trainers from all four regions in the country will receive training to go back to their communities and successfully implement BSF technology. “they will undergo theory and practical training sessions to learn and adapt to l the technology.” The BSF technology is meant for households and families in vulnerable communities, churches, health centres and schools.”

Government assistance with Covid-19 testing kits, vaccines and other health equipment in the Kaupena Sub-District in the Southern Highlands Province is of utter importance following the identification of two Covid-19 cases in the recent weeks. According to the PNG Bible church Health Secretary and Officer in charge at the Bible Church run Kaupena Health Center Mr. Mek Pure, one of the two identified cases has already succumbed to death in the past 2 week. “He was a high school teacher at the Kaupena High school when he died after been tested positive to Covid-19,” said Mr. Pure. “it is highly likely that there might be a community transmission and work to have it identified and traced should commence immediately.” Mr. Pure further stated Kaupena area must be prioritized by the Provincial and National Health Authorities with the supply of much needed Covid19 medical equipment .

“There are 46 Family Sexual Violence Unit attached with all the Police Stations throughout the country and victims of violence must seek help as soon as they can before it's too late.” That is from Ms Ruth Kissam the Ms Ruth Kissam at humanitarian NGO, PNG Tribal Foundation. Ms Kissam made this statement following the recent killing of late Imelda Tupi Epawe whose body was found in an abandoned vehicle at Kaupena and later brought to Mt Hagen General Hospital Morgue. It is a very sad scenario when the suspects involved in her death is someone she knew and trusted, allegedly her own husband, along with four other accomplices. Ms. Kissam stated that all this boils down to individual choices and as a woman you must choose well because you only got one life to live. “Gender based violence survivors must individually reflect on their life and the life they want for themselves and their children and choose better." She further reiterates that women should never be ashamed of leaving their violent partners because there is no stigma and there should not be any fear in raising your children alone. "Single mothers are successfully doing this and so can you." “Mothers and children who find themselves victims of Gender Based Violence must seek help as soon as possible from the 46 Family and Sexual Violence Unit available around the country while you can. "You should never delay, or it will be too late!"

“While I understand the reason behind the murder charges, what I do not understand is the delay for the psychiatrist to evaluate the suspect.” A heartbroken and visibly distraught mom of the two boys, Elsie Rentia told this newsroom today, while breaking down at the news that the suspect in her babies’ murder has been charged. It has been 10 days since the horrific double murder of 5-year-old Shane Benjamin and 2-year-old Ethan Benjamin by their father at Morata 1 on Tuesday 27th of April 2021. Police have now charged the main suspect Dave Benjamin Gau with two counts of murder as of Friday 7th May 2021. “I do not feel like these charges are 100% right because the kids, ol ino dai lo han blo narapla man – ol dai lo han blo papa blo ol yet.” (I do not feel like these charges are 100% right because the kids, they didn’t die at the hands of someone else – it was at their own fathers’ hands.”) “Why doctor em kisim longpla taim, lo kam na evaluatim displa man – that’s my main concern – why is it taking too long!” (Why is the doctor taking too long to come and evaluate this man – that is my main concern – why is it taking too long!) “Mi harim case officer emi tokim mi pinis em bai kam, em bai kam from 27th up until now.” (I have heard the case officer tell me already that the doctor would come, the doctor would come from the 27th up until now.) Ms Rentia and her family are eagerly awaiting the next step in the case – for the doctor to conduct psyche tests as indicated by police. All statements have been given to the police and an autopsy has been conducted already on both boys. “All we want is justice for Shane and Ethan – I will not put my two boys to rest until the suspect is behind bars up at Bomana awaiting his court date.” [caption id="attachment_7721" align="alignnone" width="483"] Main suspect Dave Benjamin Gau in the gruesome double murder of his sons in detention at the Boroko Police Cells. He was charged on Friday. [/caption]

There is a moral decay within the people and there is no regard for the country’s Rule of Law by people. Director of Development Tribal PNG and Human Rights Activist Ms. Ruth Kissam made this comment in regards to the recent increase in killings and lawlessness in PNG. “There is generally no regard for the Human Life with people taking matters into their own hands giving rise to unnecessary killings and lawlessness because perpetrators are not convicted and are walking away with crimes,” Ms. Kissam said. “People are out here seeking justice for themselves because they feel like they will not be held accountable for their actions by the Police Force.” She appealed to the Police Constabulary to arrest, prosecute and convict such persons when found guilty. Perpetrators must not buy themselves out of being prosecuted through money or because they are in a position of power but rather must face the law for crimes committed. “Rogue Policemen who allow for such to happen because of money and or the perpetrators stature in society must stop,” Ms. Kissam added. “When perpetrators realise that they cannot buy themselves out of a committed crime, that is when a precedence is set where people begin to respect the Rule of Law and take it seriously.“ Ms. Kissam also stated that to have and exist in a better society, individual Papua New Guineans need to start voting the right people into power because issues like this only reflect that the country has a leadership problem.

With Mothers Day just around the corner, there are so many different ways one can plan to celebrate and appreciate their Mothers on this day. Likewise, a local business man has decided to offer his service for free to all mothers in the Nations Capital for two hours as part of his contribution in celebrating Mothers Day. 45 years old Wek Kewa from the Mul-Baiyer District in Western Highlands Province is the owner of the Kanny Trans Services based here in POM City and since 2016, he has been providing 2 hours of free taxi service to mothers throughout the city to use to do whatever rounds they want to do during Mothers Day. “I started this back in 2016 and continued it on to 2018, however in 2019 and 2020 I had to stop because of Covid-19,”Mr. Kewa recalled. “I am happy to announce this service will be back on this years Mothers Day to help these hard working women to make their day just a little bit easier.” Mr. Kewa has 200 taxis that will be based at Kone Tigers Field at Waigani, on Sunday, 9th May to provide free service that will begin at 1:30pm and end at 3:30pm. “I’d like to ask all mothers to make use of this gift that my business is giving to you,” Mr. Kewa said. “If you cannot be at the set location on time but do manage to see a Kanny Taxi on the road during the set timings of the free service, do flag the cab down and utilise the free 2 hours.” When asked why he came up with this very generous idea, his response was simple: "in remembrance of his late mother." “My mother had done so much for me in my upbringing to the man I am today and she passed on in 2009,” Mr. Kewa recalled. “In the same way I would have celebrated my hardworking mother, in remembrance of her, I celebrate all the mothers in the City through this incentive which is the best I can do for them during this special day.” [caption id="attachment_7991" align="aligncenter" width="577"] Kanny Trans Taxi Services is offering a 2 hour free service for City mamas to mark Mothers Day.[/caption]

A total of 42 candidates are contesting the current Moresby Northwest Electorate by election in the nation’s capital, and among the hopefuls is a current law student at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), who intends to make some changes to the way some things are run, with issues affecting students in mind. Mr. Nisia Limbao is a 27 year old young man who hails from a small tribe called Yangakuni in the Wapenamanda District in the Enga Province. A final year Law student, Limbao decided to contest simply because he felt the pinch of the ignorance of mandated leaders, whom he claimed do little to nothing for the people when they are in power. “Leaders tend to forget the simple people and the daily struggles that we continually face,” he said. “If there will be no change, then I have to put my hand up and it is my constitutional right to do so too.” His proposed policies focus on issues faced by Tertiary, College and Secondary students. “One of my important policy is to revive allowance for tertiary students because most students come from financially struggling families and it’s tough for many of them,” Mr. Limbao said. “I know this all too well because I feel it too, so my aim is to revive students allowance and really subsidize their school fee so the burden is less on their parents and them as well.” Mr. Limbao said 10 months is a short time to get things done, but if elected he will try his best to use the DSIP funds to deliver his policies. “Once an MP is elected, it’s quite impossible to bring services within the first or second year because the MP has to provide Writ Proposal, take it to the Department of National Planning, then to Treasury for budget allocation and then to finance, which is time consuming,” he added. Meanwhile, when asked what his thoughts are on criticisms on his lack of experience in politics, Mr. Limbao replied that PNG's Constitution gives the public a qualified freedom of speech, information and expression and everyone has a right to an opinion. “People have the right to express themselves and I cannot stop them, so I must accept all criticisms that are being thrown at me,” he added. “It’s this sort of criticism that motivates me to be better and stronger. I want to be a controversial person that people will talk about, I want to write my own history.”

National Pandemic Controller Mr. David Manning earlier this week gave the directive for all Primary and High Schools throughout the country to resume classes to mark the beginning of the second term for this year. The directive includes that it is mandatory for all students and teaching staff to observe the covid19 safety protocols by wearing of masks, regularly washing of hands, and practicing social distancing the classrooms and schools. This will prove to be a task for most schools especially with the number of students in a class is too high. Head teacher of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Hohola Mrs Sheila Sabarei said she has a total of 1800 students for primary and 700 students for Elementary classes “We have 50-70 students in a class and to socially distance it is not possible.” “I have a huge concern for my teachers as well as the students.” “However, we (teachers and ancillary staff) have already cleaned the school in preparation for school resumption and will be encouraging students to wear their masks, we also have our hand washing basins and soaps available for hand wash and every classroom will have infrared thermometers available to check students temperature.” Meanwhile, similar sentiments have been shared by another Head teacher of one local primary school in the Highlands. Mr. Kurai Piuk, head teacher of Wapenamanda Primary School in Enga Province said whilst resuming of classes will be easy, it’s the maintaining of the new measure that will prove to be difficult especially in rural schools. “We have already installed 4 water tanks in the school to encourage the students to wash their hands but there is no proper water supply system in the District.” “The school needs masks to distribute to students has well and especially with parents not paying their schools fees, there are no funds this essential item.” Mr. Piuk said students have already lost enough valuable time in their education and the Authorities should follow through and provide all essential especially for schools in rural areas to successfully carry out COVID-19 safety protocol. Despite these, these schools are looking forward to begin classes today as per directives and are hopeful that the Government will assist where needed.

Under the 12 new measures released by National Pandemic Controller Mr. David Manning this week, measure number 5 directs a mass burial for dead bodies that are filling up the Mortuary especially at the Port Moresby General Hospital. PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi said he said there are 230 dead bodies at a morgue when its capacity can only cater for 110 corpses. Dr. Molumi also said that from the total number of dead bodies, half are unclaimed corpses. “The morgue here at POMGEN is overcrowded with dead bodies and half of these bodies are unidentified and unclaimed." “No relative or family member has stepped into to identify these corpses leaving us no choice but to do a mass burial.” Families and relatives are given 7 days to go POMGEN’s mortuary and identify these dead bodies and claim. “Under the new measure, a mass burial will happen next week for 50 corpses to start with."

Located in Tapini, Goilala District, Eruame Primary school has been closed since 2010 and for 10 years, and along the way many school aged children have missed out on opportunity to receive education. Head teacher Mr. Casiano Amai told this newsroom it was a community initiative to reopen the school after realizing that most of their children were uneducated. “Since the closure of the school till now, children in the Loloipa Ward have not received any form of schooling and most have them have become young adults." “That should not be the same situation for the young ones in the area at present.” The reopening saw 125 enthusiastic children enroll for Preparatory, Grade 1 and Grade 2 classes with more students said to be on the way. Mr. Amai said there is one prep class, two grade 1 classes and one grade 2 class. “Right now we are having classes in two classrooms made from bush materials which was helped built by the community and one office made also of bush material for me.” There has been no assistance from the District Office but that does not deter them from the importance of providing an education. “Our leaders may help where they can but we as the community must do our bit first and then we can ask for assistance." He further encouraged parents in the community to send their children to school if they want to help them have a shot at a better future.